Samsung S, H, F and C/M Series solid-state camcorders debut

Samsung have outed four new camcorder ranges at CES 2010, and they run the gamut from entry-level point-and-shoot to Full HD. The top-spec models drop into Samsung’s S-series, in this case the 10-megapixel CMOS S10, S15 and S16, each with 1080/60i capabilities and 15x optical zooms. Storage ranges from SD/SDHC on the S10 through 32GB SSD on the S15 to 64GB SSD on the S16.

One step down and you get to the H-series, namely the Samsung H200, H203, H204 and H205, which start with naught but an SD/SDHC slot and then move up through 8GB, 16GB and 32GB of SSD respectively. They also get a 20x optical zoom, 2.7-inch touchscreen control, 1080 Full HD recording and 4.7-megapixel stills, along with an integrated HDMI connector for easy hook-up.

Next comes the Samsung F-series, the F40, F43 and F44, with SD/SDHC, 8GB or 16GB respectively, 52x optical zoom and face-detection. Unfortunately you won’t be recording Full HD with these, as they’re limited to 720 x 480 video and paltry 1.9-megapixel stills. Similarly disappointing are Samsung’s new 25-degree active-angle lens camcorders, the SMX-C20, SMX-C24 and HMX-M20, which take 2-megapixel stills and record the same 720 x 480 standard-definition footage. All have a 2.7-inch LCD and SD/SDHC slot, but the C24 also gets 16GB of flash memory.

All but the S-series will arrive by the end of Q1 2010; the S-series will drop in Spring 2010. No word on prices as yet.

Press Release:

SAMSUNG ADDS WI-FI CONNECTIVITY TO S-SERIES CAMCORDERS

New S-Series Camcorders are the World’s First to Offer Built-In Wi-Fi and DLNA Connectivity

Las Vegas, NV (January 6, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award‑winning innovator in consumer electronics, today introduced its new S-Series of full‑HD digital camcorders, the world’s first to include built-in Wi-Fi and DLNA connectivity. Comprising three new models, the HMX-S10, HMX-S15 and HMX-S16, the new S‑Series are also the highest‑performing full-HD camcorders in Samsung’s history. All three new camcorders incorporate Samsung’s proprietary new Victoria Engine processor and a cutting-edge 1/2.3‑inch BSI (Back Side Illumination) CMOS imaging sensor which combine to yield outstanding image quality and low-light performance. The HMX-S10, HMX-S15 and HMX-S16 will be on display during the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, January 7-10, 2010, in the Samsung booth #11026 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“The ability to effortlessly share memories and content with others is becoming more important for consumers,” said Mr. SangRyong Kim, Senior Vice President of Camcorder Team, Samsung Electronics. “Now, for the very first time consumers can record and immediately share content with others without having to worry about fumbling for wires or cables with Samsung’s new S-Series camcorders. From the point of capture to display, the S-Series camcorders take the video recording experience to a whole new level.”

Wi-Fi & DLNA Connectivity
The new Samsung HMX-S15 and HMX-S16 are the world’s first to offer both built-in Wi‑Fi and DLNA connectivity. The HMX-S15 and HMX-S16 feature Samsung AllShare, which allows consumers to easily access, manage and share content including their full-HD videos across other DLNA certified devices. With the integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, consumers can now forego having to connect any cables to enjoy their HD video or digital still images in amazing clarity on their HDTV or computer. Consumers can also take advantage of built-in HDMI connectivity to view their content on devices that may not be DLNA certified simply by connecting to the source via an HDMI cable.

Powerful Schneider Optics and 3.5-inch Touch-Screen LCDs
Samsung’s S-Series incorporate world renowned Schneider optics. Each S-Series camcorder boasts a powerful Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan-HD lens with Samsung’s 18x Intelli‑Zoom. Significantly more reliable than a standard digital zoom which negatively affects the quality of the image, Samsung’s new Intelli-Zoom allows users to go beyond the camcorders’ 15x optical zooms without sacrificing image quality. The S-Series’ Kreuznach Varioplan-HD lenses are also paired with Optical Stabilization to help reduce image blur and shaky video, which can be especially helpful when using the camcorders’ full optical zooms. The Samsung S‑Series camcorders also enhance the user experience with large 3.5-inch wide touch-screen LCDs which house a 3D graphic user interface (GUI). The ultra-bright, swiveling, WVGA LCDs and GUI not only offer fascinating visual effects but grant users uncomplicated, intuitive and easy access to all of the camcorders’ advanced functions.

Innovative New Video Processor and CMOS Sensor
Samsung’s full-HD S-Series camcorders are highlighted by a revolutionary new BSI CMOS imaging sensor designed to absorb more light than other conventional sensors and deliver unprecedented low-light performance. The new BSI CMOS sensor is further enhanced by Samsung’s proprietary new Victoria Engine video processor designed specifically to optimize performance of HD camcorders. Samsung’s new Victoria Engine video processor offers a 3D noise reduction filter that efficiently suppresses noise while preserving details and edges resulting in crisp video and still image quality. The Victoria Engine also expands the range of color expression and improves video quality with the help of other video processing modules such as contrast, white tone and color tone enhancement. Amazingly, despite all of its advanced features, the Victoria Engine draws a minimal amount of power thanks to 45 nano chip fabrication technology, drastically extending the camcorders’ battery life to more than two hours.

Samsung’s SSD Technology
Samsung’s S-Series camcorders utilize internal Solid State Drives (SSD), which offer a substantial advantage over Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in digital camcorders. First introduced in Samsung’s full-HD H-Series camcorders, SSD technology provides consumers with better performance and greater durability than other forms of internal memory. In comparison to HDD, Samsung’s SSD technology is more lightweight and compact, operates silently with very low heat emission, and features no moving parts, which significantly reduces overall power consumption and enhances reliability. The absence of moving parts makes SSD technology more durable and resistant to shock and vibrations, which pose a considerable threat to the performance of HDD‑based digital camcorders. Additionally, Samsung’s SSD technology is faster than HDD, including quicker boot-up and read/write speeds which is required for the amount of data recorded in full‑HD resolution. Samsung’s HMX-S16 offers an internal 64GB SSD while the HMX‑S15 offers an internal 32GB SSD. Both camcorders also allow consumers to expand memory capacity using an SD/SDHC memory card. The HMX‑S10 does not feature internal SSD memory and requires the use of a SD/SDHC memory card.

Unique Features
The S-Series camcorders offer a variety of unique features such as a flash to help capture 10 mega-pixel digital still images, storyboard printing and the ability to shoot in super‑slow motion with speeds of 300 fps at a resolution of 368×208 and 600 fps at a resolution of 192×112. The S‑Series camcorders also are equipped with high-definition time lapse recording, which gives consumers the ability to truly experiment with their creativity. When shooting in the time lapse recording mode, the camcorder will record a single image at an interval pre-selected by the user, either one, three, five, 10, 15, or 30 seconds, and will save each image as one single movie file.

New SMX-F40, SMX-F43, and SMX-F44 Offer Extended Battery Life and 65x Intelli-Zoom

Las Vegas, NV (January 6, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award‑winning innovator in consumer electronics, today extended its popular F-Series of compact digital camcorders with the addition of three new ultra-zoom, YouTube™ compatible models, the SMX-F40, SMX-F43, and SMX-F44. Building on the success of the company’s highly‑popular SMX‑F34 camcorder, the next-generation F-Series offers users additional features and functionality, including extended battery life and Samsung’s 65x Intelli‑Zoom. With the new Samsung SMX-F40, SMX-F43 and SMX-F44, consumers will be able to go the distance and never miss a moment of the action. The SMX-F40, SMX-F43 and SMX-F44 will be on display during the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, January 7-10, 2010, in the Samsung booth #11026 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“In designing the new models in the F-Series of camcorders, we started by taking everything that was great about their predecessors and making it even better,” said Mr. SangRyong Kim, Senior Vice President of Camcorder Team, Samsung Electronics. “We then went on to add a host of new features and functionalities that make the camcorders even more intuitive and easy to use. The F-Series can truly be used by anyone, anywhere and at any time.”

Capture Every Moment of the Action
Preserving every special memory is easy, thanks to the extended battery life and built-in memory of the SMX-F43 and SMX-F44. The camcorders provide users with over four hours and 10 minutes of battery life on a single charge. When combined with the use of H.264 compression, consumers can store up to six hours and 20 minutes of video per every 16GB of internal memory.

Impressive Video Quality
Showcasing further innovation, Samsung’s three new F-Series camcorders offer an incredible 65x Intelli-Zoom lens (52x optical zoom), which allows users to bring distant images into focus and zoom closer to the action from further away. Samsung’s Intelli-Zoom is significantly more reliable than a standard digital zoom, allowing users to go beyond the camcorders’ 52x optical zooms without sacrificing image quality. The F-Series camcorders also provide enhanced image quality, thanks to their high-performance 1/6″ CCD sensors. These over-sized sensors set the SMX-F40, SMX-F43, and SMX-F44 apart from other camcorders in their class and enable users to enjoy higher-quality video.

Smart Features for Shooting, Editing, and Sharing
The SMX-F40, SMX-F43 and SMX-F44 come equipped with Samsung’s play-edit-sharing program called intelli‑studio 2.0. The on-board intelli-studio software provides unprecedented freedom and flexibility, allowing users to view, edit and upload content to the web from any PC anywhere in the world. Connecting to a computer via the supplied USB cable not only enables users to edit and play a video without having to install supporting software, but also automatically charges the camcorder as well. The built-in intelli-studio software also helps simplify the way users upload and share their footage using today’s popular video sharing and social networking web sites.

Users can be confident that their videos won’t be washed out, too dark or out of focus with the help of the F-Series camcorders’ Smart Auto feature. Smart Auto analyzes key elements of a scene’s composition such as color, brightness, motion and subject and then automatically selects the appropriate scene mode which will produce the best results possible. The SMX-F40, SMX-F43 and SMX-F44 offer eight different scene modes including night, white, indoor, macro, landscape, portrait, night portrait, and auto. Samsung’s three new F-Series camcorders also come equipped with face detection which automatically recognizes up to five faces and adjusts settings to ensure that each is properly within focus.

Samsung also enhances the video recording experience for end-users thanks to unique features such as time lapse recording and animated thumbnails. Time lapse recording allows users to program the camcorder to record at a pre-set interval of one image every one, three, five, 10, 15 or 30 seconds. Time lapse recording is especially useful for condensing extremely long events, such as rolling clouds on a sunny day, into a short, easy‑to-view video.

Samsung’s animated thumbnail feature simplifies the way users search for video clips on the SMX-F40, SMX-F43 and SMX-F44. Each video clip saved on the camcorder is represented by a small thumbnail on the LCD screen. When scrolling through one’s videos, each thumbnail will provide a short playback of the video file when highlighted by the user allowing them to quickly preview each clip without having to view the entire shot.

The F-Series camcorders also feature a dedicated Photo mode which allows consumers to use the camcorder as a digital camera, snapping 1.9 mega-pixel still images with 1600×1200 resolution.

Press Release:

SAMSUNG INTRODUCES FOUR NEW H-SERIES FULL-HD CAMCORDERS

New H-Series Camcorders Deliver Advanced Features and Competitive Pricing

Las Vegas, NV (January 6, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award‑winning innovator in consumer electronics, today introduced four new full-HD digital camcorders, the HMX-H200, HMX-203, HMX-H204 and HMX-H205. Each of these new camcorders boasts an impressive list of advanced features, offering unparalleled value to consumers looking to experience high-quality, full-HD video recording at a competitive price. The HMX-H200, HMX-203, HMX-H204 and HMX-H205 will be on display during the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, January 7-10, 2010, in the Samsung booth #11026 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“Consumers want the ability to capture family events – birthday parties, football games, graduations, and more – with the utmost detail and clarity, but full-HD video recording has come at a price premium in the past,” said Mr. SangRyong Kim, Senior Vice President of Camcorder Team, Samsung Electronics. “Samsung’s H-Series camcorders give consumers the ability to capture life in full-HD with a wealth of functionality, features, and performance, all at an affordable price.”

All four new H-Series camcorders feature Samsung’s revolutionary new BSI CMOS imaging sensor. Designed to absorb more light than other conventional sensors and deliver unprecedented low-light performance, the BSI CMOS sensor sets new standards for performance and image quality, particularly among entry-level camcorders.

Solid State Drives
Samsung’s new H-Series camcorders offer high-performance internal memory that utilizes Samsung’s Solid State Drives (SSD), which offer a substantial advantage over the use of Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in a digital camcorder. SSD technology provides consumers with higher performing and more durable internal memory. In comparison to HDD, Samsung’s SSD technology is more lightweight and compact, operates silently with very low heat emission, and features no moving parts, which significantly reduces overall power consumption and enhances reliability. The lower power consumption of the H-Series’ SSD technology translates into an impressive battery life of approximately two hours.

No moving parts also make SSD technology more durable and resistant to shock and vibrations, which pose a considerable threat to the performance of HDD based digital camcorders. Additionally, Samsung’s SSD technology is faster than HDD, including quicker boot‑up and read/write speeds which are required for the amount of data recorded in full-HD resolution. The internal SSD configurations available on Samsung’s new H-Series full-HD camcorders include a 32GB SSD in the HMX-H205, a 16GB SSD in the HMX-H204, and an 8GB SSD in the HMX-H203. Each camcorder’s memory capacity can also be expanded using an SD/SDHC memory card. The HMX‑H200 does not feature internal SSD memory and requires the use of a SD/SDHC memory card.

Powerful Optics and Touch-Screen LCD
Samsung’s new H-Series full-HD camcorders feature an impressive 37mm wide‑angle lens, which offers consumers a versatile 20x optical zoom. Unlike other camcorders offering a typical angle of view of 40~50mm, the H-Series’ 37mm wide-angle Samsung lens allows users to fit more of their desired scene into the frame, making the camcorder ideal for recording large groups of family or friends, breathtaking landscapes or even capturing all the action at sporting events.

The H-Series’ lenses are further enhanced with Optical Image Stabilization to help reduce image blur and shaky video, which can be especially helpful when using the camcorders’ full optical zooms. Samsung’s Smart Optical Image Stabilization is superior to image stabilizing technologies found in other camcorders, as it reduces shake and blur across a wider portion of the image frame and produces higher quality images as a result. A 2.7-inch wide, swiveling, touch-screen LCD boasts a 230K-pixel resolution and adds to the user experience by giving consumers uncomplicated and easy access to all of the camcorders’ various controls and settings.

Unique Features
The new HMX-H205, HMX-H204, HMX-H203 and HMX-H200 are also loaded with a range of unique features such as the ability to capture high-quality 4.7 mega-pixel digital still images, Smart Auto mode, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode which will produce the best results possible for the user’s shooting scenario, as well as time lapse recording, an innovative setting which will give end-users the ability to take their creativity to a whole new level. When using the camcorders’ time lapse mode, consumers can program the new H-Series camcorders to record a single image at intervals of one, three or five seconds, and then save each image as one single movie file (720p resolution).

Press Release:

SAMSUNG ANNOUNCES THREE NEW STYLISH, ERGONOMIC CAMCORDERS

New SMX-C20, SMX-C24 and HMX-M20 Allow Consumers to Shoot and Share in Style

Las Vegas, NV (January 6, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award‑winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announced three new stylish, ergonomically-designed compact digital camcorders which come fully equipped with an array of useful features. The SMX-C20, SMX-C24 and HMX-M20 all feature the same built-in 25‑degree Active Angle Lens that was the hallmark design feature of their predecessors — the SMX-C10 and HMX-R10. Samsung’s innovative Active Angle Lens allows consumers to hold the camera more naturally, and has earned Samsung design awards and accolades from all over the world since first appearing in the SMX-C10 and HMX-R10 last year. The SMX-C20, SMX-C24 and HMX‑M20 will be on display during the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, January 7-10, 2010, in the Samsung booth #11026 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“The SMX-C20, SMX-C24, and HMX-M20 are ideal for a wide-range of consumers, said Mr. SangRyong Kim, Senior Vice President of Camcorder Team, Samsung Electronics. “These camcorders appeal to consumers’ demand for simplicity and features in a camcorder that allow them to get great results with minimal effort. Additionally, with Samsung’s Active Angle Lens as well as head-turning ToC design, consumers are able to look good and enjoy an added level of comfort while recording video.”

Record in Style and Comfort
The new SMX-C20, SMX-C24 and HMX-M20 add a level of style and beauty to shooting home videos. Both SMX models offer Samsung’s signature ToC design, which features a hint of color that is naturally blended into the deep black body of the camcorders to create an attractive crystalline appearance. To make shooting home videos more comfortable, all three of the new models boast Samsung’s Active Angle Lens design. Unlike traditional camcorders that force users to hold their arm up at a 90-degree angle while recording video, the Active Angle Lens design, exclusive to Samsung, allows users to hold the camcorder in a more relaxed and natural position due to the fact that the lens is angled downward by 25‑degrees. This more natural recording position reduces the overall stress on the wrist and elbow and also removes the LCD screen from the user’s line of sight, enabling them to always keep an eye on their subject while recording.

Record High-Quality Video & Digital Still Images
Whether it’s documenting an unforgettable vacation or simply capturing the day‑to‑day antics of family and friends, Samsung’s new SMX-C20, SMX‑C24 and HMX-M20 give you access to the highest-quality video and still images. The SMX-C20 and SMX-C24 offer remarkable standard definition video recording at a resolution of 720×480. In addition, both camcorders offer the ability to quickly and easily capture still images at a resolution of two mega‑pixels.

For those who want even higher-resolution or wish to enjoy the best possible results for viewing their content on their HDTV, the HMX-M20 offers full-HD, 1080/60p video recording. The HMX-M20 also utilizes Samsung’s Back Side Illumination (BSI) CMOS imaging sensor, which was created specifically to absorb more light than other conventional sensors and delivers unprecedented low-light performance. The HMX-M20 also boasts an 8x optical zoom / 12x intelli‑zoom and the ability to capture still images in stunning 12 mega-pixel resolution, further setting it apart from other camcorders in terms of image quality, versatility and ease of use.

All three camcorders utilize H.264 compression, which allows you to record longer than camcorders using the typical MPEG2 format. The new Samsung SMX-C20 and SMX‑C24 also come with impressive 10x optical zooms and all three models are paired with Hyper Image Stabilization. Ideal for recording events from a great distance, the camcorders’ impressive optical zooms allow you to get in close to the action no matter how far away you may be. Access to such a powerful optical zoom can come in handy for any number of scenarios, ranging from recording your child’s soccer game from the sidelines to the sights and sounds of a trip to the city. Additionally, Samsung’s Hyper Image Stabilization gives you the ability to capture clear and stable video as it counteracts the negative effects of a shaky hand while recording, which can lead to blurry footage.

Samsung also provides different memory options for recording footage with the new SMX-C20, SMX‑C24 and HMX-M20. With the SMX-C24, users can take advantage of 16GB of built-in flash memory. Users can also expand the camcorder’s memory capacity using the SD/SDHC memory card slot. The SMX-C20 and HMX-M20 do not feature internal memory and require the use of SD/SDHC media cards.

Smart Features for Editing and Sharing
The SMX-C20, SMX-C24 and HMX-M20 come equipped with Samsung’s play-edit-sharing program called intelli‑studio. The built-in intelli-studio software gives users the ability to connect the camcorder to any computer via USB and edit and play their video without having to install supporting software. The built-in intelli-studio software also helps simplify the way users upload and share their footage using today’s popular video‑sharing Web sites. For added convenience, a one-touch “upload” button, available directly on the camcorders, provides a direct connection to YouTube™, taking the hassle and confusion out of uploading footage. In addition, the SMX‑C20, SMX-C24, and HMX-M20 also provide options for basic on-camera editing, including the ability to merge and split video files. This can be done directly on the camcorders using their 230K-pixel, swiveling 2.7-inch wide LCD screens.

Samsung also enhances the video recording experience for end-users thanks to several unique features, including time lapse recording, animated thumbnails and a versatile charging system. Time lapse recording allows users to program the camcorder to record at a pre-set interval of one image every one, three, five, 10, 15 or 30 seconds. Time lapse recording is especially useful for condensing extremely long events, such as rolling clouds on a sunny day, into a short, easy‑to-view video.

Samsung’s animated thumbnail feature simplifies the way users search for video clips on the SMX-C20, SMX-C24, and HMX-M20. Each video clip saved on the camcorder is represented by a small thumbnail on the LCD screen. When scrolling through one’s videos, each thumbnail will provide a short playback of the video file when highlighted by the user allowing them to quickly preview each clip without having to view the entire shot. The camcorders also feature a versatile charging system. Users can either recharge the battery by connecting the camcorder to the supplied AC adapter or via USB while the camcorder is connected to a computer.